What Allied Van Lines does and who uses it
Allied Van Lines is a moving company that handles household relocations, both within the United States and internationally. They operate through a network of local agents rather than as a single company — you contact an Allied agent in your area, and that agent arranges your move using Allied's systems and standards.
Allied handles full-service moves (they pack, load, transport, and unload), partial moves (you pack some items, they handle the rest), and labor-only moves (you rent the truck and they provide loaders). They also offer storage services if you need to hold your belongings before or after the move date.
The company has been operating since 1928 and is part of a larger corporate structure that includes other moving brands. When you book with Allied, you're working with a franchised local agent who operates under Allied's name and standards.
Key Takeaways
- Allied Van Lines operates through local franchised agents, so your experience and pricing depend partly on which agent serves your area.
- You receive a binding estimate (price locked in) or non-binding estimate (price can change), and the difference matters for your final bill.
- The company offers full-service moves, partial moves, and labor-only options, plus storage if you need it between move dates.
- Moving costs depend on distance, weight or volume of items, time of year, and services selected — there is no single price for any move.
- You can file a damage claim with Allied if items arrive broken or lost, though the process and timeline vary by situation.
How pricing works and what a binding estimate means
Allied provides two types of estimates: binding and non-binding. A binding estimate locks in your price — the final bill will not exceed that amount unless you add services after the estimate is written. A non-binding estimate is an educated guess; the final bill can be higher if the actual weight or volume of your items exceeds what was estimated.
The estimate is based on the distance you're moving, the weight or volume of your belongings, the services you select (packing, unpacking, storage), and the time of year. Summer moves and moves to or from major cities typically cost more than winter moves to rural areas. You can request an in-home estimate, where an agent visits and physically assesses your items, or a phone or video estimate based on your description.
Allied's pricing is not transparent on their website — you must contact a local agent to receive an estimate. The agent will ask about your move date, origin, destination, and what you're moving. If you're moving a large household, an in-home estimate is usually more accurate than a phone estimate.
Full-service moves versus labor-only and partial moves
A full-service move means Allied packs your items (or you can request they pack only certain rooms), loads the truck, transports everything, unloads at your new home, and unpacks if you want. This is the most expensive option but requires the least work from you.
A labor-only move means you rent a truck from a truck rental company, and Allied provides workers to load your items into the truck and unload them at your destination. You drive the truck yourself. This costs less than full-service but requires you to arrange the truck and do the driving.
A partial move falls between the two — you pack some items yourself, and Allied packs, loads, and transports the rest. You might pack your clothes and personal items, for example, and have Allied handle furniture and kitchen items. This option is less common but available if you want to reduce costs while keeping some professional help.
Storage options if you need to hold your belongings
Allied offers storage through its network of facilities. If your new home is not ready on move-in day, or if you're downsizing and need time to sort items, you can store your belongings for a period of time. Storage is billed separately from the move itself — you pay a monthly storage fee in addition to the moving charges.
Storage duration and cost vary depending on the facility and how long you need it. Some moves include a short period of free storage (often 30 days), but you should confirm this with your agent when you get your estimate. If you need storage longer than a few months, ask your agent about the total cost, as it can add significantly to your moving bill.
What happens on moving day and after delivery
On moving day, the Allied crew will arrive at your home at the scheduled time window (usually a range of a few hours). They will load your items into the truck, find them, and depart. For local moves, delivery may happen the same day or the next day. For long-distance moves, delivery typically takes several days to a few weeks depending on distance and the truck's route.
When the truck arrives at your destination, the crew will unload your items and place them in the rooms you specify. If you paid for unpacking, they will remove items from boxes and place them in the rooms; you are responsible for arranging items within rooms. If you paid for packing materials to be removed, the crew will take boxes and packing materials with them.
You should inspect items as they are unloaded and note any visible damage on the delivery paperwork before signing. This creates a record if you need to file a damage claim later. Keep the paperwork and photos of any damage.
Filing a damage claim and what it covers
If items arrive broken, lost, or damaged, you can file a claim with Allied. You must report the damage in writing within a specific timeframe — typically within 9 months of delivery, though you should report it as soon as you discover it. Include photos of the damaged item, the original estimate or invoice, and a description of what happened.
Allied's liability for damage is limited by federal law. The company is responsible for damage caused by their crew's negligence, but not for damage from normal wear, poor packing by you, or items you packed yourself. If you purchased additional insurance or valuation coverage, your claim may be handled differently — review your contract to see what coverage you selected.
The claims process can take weeks or months. Allied will investigate, request additional information if needed, and either approve the claim and offer payment or deny it with an explanation. If you disagree with the outcome, you have the right to pursue the claim further, though this typically requires legal action.
How to contact Allied and get an estimate
You can reach Allied through their main website, where you enter your move details and are connected with a local agent in your area. You can also search online for "Allied Van Lines near me" to find local agent contact information directly. The agent will discuss your move, answer questions, and provide an estimate.
When you contact an agent, have the following information ready: your current address, your new address, your preferred move date or date range, and a general description of what you're moving (apartment, house, office, etc.). If you want an in-home estimate, the agent will schedule a time to visit.
After you receive an estimate, you can accept it and book your move, or contact other moving companies for comparison. There is no obligation to book with the first agent you speak with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a price quote online without talking to an agent?
No. Allied does not publish prices online because every move is different. You must contact a local agent by phone, email, or through their website form to receive an estimate. The agent will ask about your specific move and provide a quote based on that information.
What is the difference between weight-based and volume-based pricing?
Weight-based pricing charges you by the pound of your belongings. Volume-based pricing charges by the cubic feet of space your items take up in the truck. Allied uses weight-based pricing for most moves. Your estimate will specify which method applies to your move.
Do I have to pack my own items, or does Allied pack everything?
You can choose. Full-service moves include packing by Allied's crew. You can also request partial packing (they pack certain rooms or items) or do all packing yourself and have them load only. Each option costs differently — packing labor is a significant part of the moving bill.
How long does a long-distance move take?
Delivery time depends on distance and the truck's route. A move across the country typically takes one to three weeks from pickup to delivery. Your estimate or contract should include an estimated delivery window. Delays can happen due to weather, traffic, or truck scheduling, so ask your agent for a realistic timeframe for your specific route.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my move?
Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary by agent and are outlined in your contract. Some agents allow free cancellation or rescheduling within a certain number of days; others charge a fee. Review your contract before signing, and contact your agent when ready if your move date changes.